PLANS to replace a cricket club's perimeter fence are likely to be refused amid concerns that it would introduce the character of an industrial estate to a conservation area.

Redcar Cricket Club has applied to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for permission to replace part of the fence fronting the town's Kirkleatham Street.

In November 2002, planning permission was granted for a chain-link fence to be replaced with metal fencing panels, to match the existing fencing.

The work was not carried out and the club has proposed installing a 2.4m-high steel palisade-style fence, instead of the one approved.

The council's planning committee will consider the scheme when it meets on Thursday.

The proposed fence is regarded as detrimental to the character of the conservation area because it would be different from the fence on the ground's three other sides, inappropriate to the club's setting and would also introduce the character of an industrial estate into the area.

A report says: "At the end of the 19th Century, wrought iron railings were erected to enclose the ground, with ornate cast iron gatepiers at the gated entrance.

"Manufactured by the Skinningrove Iron and Steel Company, the railings, though simple in design, afford an understated touch of elegance to the setting of the ground and of Nelson and Trafalgar Terraces.

"Sadly, the railings are now nearing the end of their useful lives and on the south side of the ground have been lost completely, being replaced by metal chain link fencing supported on reinforced concrete posts.

"The surviving railings have been repaired but not always in the most sympathetic manner. Their total loss would diminish the special character of the area."

The cricket ground is flanked to the east and west by Victorian terraced villas, on its north side by the Georgian Lobster Inn and the railway to the south.

Planning officers are advising councillors to reject the plans.

The club could not be contacted yesterday.